AI Term of the Moment
AI accelerator
Definition: autonomous vehicle levels
Following are the stages of vehicle automation. Each level includes all the functions of the previous levels. See self-driving car, self-driving truck and self-driving taxi.
Level 0
No real automation; however, all cars have built-in safety features such as anti-lock brakes (see ABS), as well as warnings for open doors and unbuckled seat belts. See TPM.
Level 1
By 2021, most new cars had some or all of these driver-assist features: navigation system, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance system, lane departure system, blind spot monitoring and adaptive headlights.
Level 2
User-initiated self-driving; however, drivers must be aware of the road and have their hands on the wheel, at least periodically. In 2014, Tesla's was first to reach this level in a production vehicle (see Tesla Autopilot). In 2021, several car brands reached this stage. Human drivers are liable for accidents.
Level 3
Autonomous driving but driver must be able to take control. In 2021, a few car models approached this stage. The vehicle manufacturer is liable for accidents, and this is the primary difference between Level 2 and 3.
Level 4
Complete autonomous driving when conditions are appropriate.
Level 5
Fully automated. May or may not have steering wheel. See Robotaxi, Waymo and Zoox.
Level 5 Became a Goal
Level 0
No real automation; however, all cars have built-in safety features such as anti-lock brakes (see ABS), as well as warnings for open doors and unbuckled seat belts. See TPM.
Level 1
By 2021, most new cars had some or all of these driver-assist features: navigation system, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance system, lane departure system, blind spot monitoring and adaptive headlights.
Level 2
User-initiated self-driving; however, drivers must be aware of the road and have their hands on the wheel, at least periodically. In 2014, Tesla's was first to reach this level in a production vehicle (see Tesla Autopilot). In 2021, several car brands reached this stage. Human drivers are liable for accidents.
Level 3
Autonomous driving but driver must be able to take control. In 2021, a few car models approached this stage. The vehicle manufacturer is liable for accidents, and this is the primary difference between Level 2 and 3.
Level 4
Complete autonomous driving when conditions are appropriate.
Level 5
Fully automated. May or may not have steering wheel. See Robotaxi, Waymo and Zoox.
In the mid-2000s, the idea of fully driverless cars was getting attention as the cover of the September 2016 issue of PC Magazine highlights. (Image courtesy of PCMag.com.)